Over 47 million Americans are facing food insecurity, yet we are wasting 38% of the food we produce. If you work in the multifamily industry, there are a number of ways to get residents involved in the fight against hunger today. Already, 86% of Americans consider hunger a serious issue, so here we’ve outlined a few tips to engage residents in food programs and sustainability initiatives.
Why Do Sustainable Communities Matter?
Sustainable multifamily communities help create an optimal living environment for residents. Eco-conscious buildings also have lower maintenance costs, enhanced property value, and even see reduced operating costs. Many Americans say environmental issues are top of mind, and a focus on sustainability readily attracts new residents. Whether it’s reducing food waste or energy consumption, going green benefits both business and community.
At Move For Hunger, we’ve teamed up with over 2,600 properties across the United States to ensure all residents have the ability to donate their food when they move. You can learn more about our multifamily program here and below.
Send Regular Newsletters and Communications
Newsletters are a great way to connect with residents, keep them informed, and encourage sustainable practices. These communications can go out however often you’d like but they should be consistent and can include any of the following:
- Community News
- Upcoming Maintenance
- New Events
- Local Information
- Staff Changes
- Safety Tips
How Residents Can Get Involved
But it doesn’t have to stop there! Engage your community with pet photo contests or sustainability highlights. This is a great way to give residents resources and knowledge on ways they can reduce their food waste and be kinder to their environment. Here are some easy ways to get them started:
Energy Conservation Tips
Everyone enjoys saving on their energy bill. As a property manager you can encourage your residents to live more sustainably. Include reminders on changing air filters to help the HVAC system run properly without using up any extra energy. Provide helpful tips such as washing clothes with cold water, turning off the lights when you leave, and unplugging devices when they aren’t in use.
Reducing Food Waste
Reducing food waste starts in the heart of the home - the kitchen! With Zero Waste Kitchen residents can learn how to cook, plan, and live more sustainably. Our zero waste recipes offer clever tips that turn scraps and leftovers into delicious meals. Another way to reduce food waste in your building is to educate residents about the Move For Hunger program and let them know they can easily donate their nonperishables. Every can counts!
Join Our Race Team
Team Move For Hunger has entries available for some of the most popular marathons, half marathons, and 5Ks in the country. This is the perfect way to activate your active residents to turn their miles into meals.
Host A Food Drive
With our Multifamily program you set your residents up for success. This is an opportunity to help your local community because every single donation counts - no matter how small. People throw out perfectly good food every day, but especially when they move so let’s be a part of the solution. Our program is easy and makes a significant impact.
Did you know almost 80% of apartment residents believe that living in green multifamily communities is good for their health?
Hold a Fundraiser
Your support keeps us moving meals to your neighbors in need. Hosting a fundraiser with us helps provide resources we need to organize food drives, coordinate food rescues, raise awareness about hunger & food waste, and expand our network. With our fundraiser, 95% of every $1.00 you raise will support our hunger relief and food rescue programs
In just a few short minutes, your residents can make a huge difference. Since 2009, your dollars have helped move 42 million meals and transformed our network into over 3,700 movers, apartments, and relocation professionals. You, too, can become a part of the fight against hunger and make an impact in the lives of those around you.
About the Program
As part of our multifamily program, we make the process seamless for donating your food when you move. Here’s how it works: When a resident gives notice that they are moving out, provide them with the program letter and a food collection bag. Residents then place any unopened, non-perishable food items they no longer want in the bag. Once you've collected a few bags, our team will arrange for a partner to pick up the donations and deliver them to your local food bank. Cultivating a vibrant and sustainable living environment can even improve retention rates!
What our partners are saying:
"Move for Hunger is a wonderful organization. I have had the pleasure of working with them over the last few years. Hunger and food waste are huge problems, regardless of where you live. I think many people want to help/donate but they either aren’t sure how to get started or they just don’t have time. Move for Hunger offers our residents an easy and convenient way to give back to those in need throughout the community, without ever leaving home. By providing us with donation bags and organizing donation pick-ups, the entire process is seamless."
By activating your residents to engage in local food programs, you make a positive change. Sustainable communities cultivate inclusive, impactful dynamics within their buildings. Let’s take a step together - with us, it’s easy to fight hunger.
